gravitating toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"gravitating toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something is being pulled in a certain direction. For example, "She has been gravitating toward more creative pursuits lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"People are gravitating toward older art".

The New York Times - Arts

BARCELONA is always gravitating toward what's next, what's new.

The New York Times - Travel

You find yourself gravitating toward fantasy and horror.

The New York Times

I end up gravitating toward them in Paris, too.

The New York Times

I found myself gravitating toward the police station.

The Guardian - Film

He's on the far side, gravitating toward the sublime.

The New York Times - Books

"He's the guy we're gravitating toward," Cashman said of Clark.

The New York Times - Sports

We're looking for an opportunity, and we're gravitating toward candidates that are more conservative".

The New York Times

Many of Mr. Daley's strongest supporters are gravitating toward Mr. Emanuel.

The New York Times

They're not the only ones gravitating toward demure looks for the new season.

The New York Times

As gymnastics teams are dropped, men and women are gravitating toward competitive cheerleading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gravitating toward", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the object of attraction is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "gravitating toward" when the movement is forced or directed by an external influence. The phrase implies a natural inclination or pull.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravitating toward" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing process of being drawn or attracted to something. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a natural inclination or tendency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gravitating toward" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of being drawn or attracted to something, whether physically or metaphorically. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its neutral register and broad appeal. When writing, remember that "gravitating toward" implies a natural inclination, not a forced movement. Consider alternatives like "tending towards" or "inclining towards" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tending towards

Focuses on the direction or inclination, similar to the pull of gravity.

inclining towards

Emphasizes a leaning or preference, conveying a slight shift in direction.

moving towards

Highlights the physical or metaphorical movement in a specific direction.

drifting towards

Suggests a passive movement, as if being carried by a current.

drawn to

Indicates a strong attraction or pull, often emotional or instinctive.

attracted to

Directly states the feeling of attraction, a more straightforward expression.

leaning towards

Suggests a preference or bias, a mental inclination rather than physical movement.

favoring

Implies a conscious choice or preference, indicating a deliberate inclination.

preferring

Expresses a stronger degree of liking or choosing one thing over another.

shifting towards

Implies a change in direction or focus, a gradual realignment.

FAQs

How can I use "gravitating toward" in a sentence?

You can use "gravitating toward" to describe a tendency or inclination. For example, "She is "gravitating toward" more creative pursuits lately."

What does it mean to say someone is "gravitating toward" something?

It means they are being drawn or attracted to it, often due to a natural inclination or preference. It suggests a tendency to move in that direction.

Which is correct, "gravitating toward" or "gravitating to"?

"Gravitating toward" is generally preferred and more common in contemporary usage. While "gravitating to" might be acceptable, ""gravitating toward"" is more idiomatic.

What are some synonyms for "gravitating toward"?

Synonyms include "tending towards", "inclining towards", and "moving towards", each with slight nuances in meaning.